Matt Gouthro Reining Horses

Matt Gouthro: Professional Reining Horse Trainer in Staunton, Virginia, 25+ Years of Excellence

Built on Grit. Backed by Bob’s. Matt Gouthro doesn’t just ride for the brand — he lives it. Together with his wife, Beth, and their son, Cole, Matt owns and operates BMG Show Horses in Staunton, Virginia — a nationally recognized program specializing in Ranch Riding and AQHA/APHA/NSBA Ranch Horse events. As an AQHA Professional Horseman and multiple-time Level 3 Top Competitor in Ranch Riding and Ranch Trail, Matt has built a reputation for excellence that spans associations and generations.

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Trainer Experience

Raised in Canada and active in the Maritime Quarter Horse Association, Matt developed his foundation in all-around events and barrels before attending the respected equine program at Olds College. He then moved to the United States where he learned and worked alongside some of the industry’s greats — completing an extended internship with Jamie Bissel and later serving as assistant trainer for Carl Yamber and Trish Yamber.

Under their mentorship, Matt refined his colt-starting program, sharpened his eye for selecting elite prospects, and gained invaluable experience showing top futurity and western pleasure horses at the highest levels. Those formative years built the discipline, feel, and attention to detail that define his program today.

BMG Show Horses Training Program

When Matt and Beth launched BMG Show Horses, they built a strong foundation in Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, and all-around events, with a focus on futurity horses. That background still matters today — balance, cadence, rideability, and correctness remain pillars of their training philosophy. When the Ranch Horse division was introduced, the transition felt natural. With Beth’s ranch horse and cattle background and Matt’s appreciation for practical, correct training, they found their calling: developing happy, healthy, useful horses that love their job.

Within just a few years, the entire program converted to ranch — and the results speak for themselves.

Accomplishments

Matt’s personal accomplishments are equally impressive. He has earned multiple World Champion titles and Congress Champion titles in AQHA, APHA, PHBA, NSBA, and VRH competition. His championships span Ranch Riding, Ranch Trail, and Working Western Rail, solidifying his reputation as one of the most versatile and consistent competitors in the ranch horse industry. Matt has consistently ranked in the Top 3 and Top 5 of AQHA and NSBA Level 3 Open Riders in Ranch Riding and Ranch Trail. He has held judges cards with AQHA and PHBA, serves as a Virginia Quarter Horse Association board member, and represents his state as an AQHA National Director while contributing to key AQHA committees.

Yet what truly sets Matt apart is his ability to create horses that don’t just win for him — they win for their owners. BMG Show Horses specializes in matching riders to the right mounts and producing horses that transition successfully into Youth and Amateur careers. A great horse should perform for the trainer and the non-pro — and that’s a niche Matt has mastered.

From early colt-starting days to World Championship runs, Matt has trusted Bob’s Custom Saddles. Work saddle or show saddle, the choice has always been Bob’s. The craftsmanship. The balance. The close contact feel. The comfort that allows both horse and rider to perform at their best. Champions are built through discipline, integrity, and relentless work.

At BMG Show Horses, the motto has never changed:

“The harder you work, the luckier you get.”

Ready to Elevate Your Ranch Horse Performance? Contact Matt Gouthro Today!

Email: bmgshowhorses@gmail.com

Phone: (540) 460-5510